MLB: Minnesota 3, Tampa Bay 2

MINNEAPOLIS, July 6 (UPI) -- Scott Baker tossed five strong innings before leaving with an injury Tuesday and the Minnesota Twins hung on for a 3-2 victory over Tampa Bay.

Baker (7-5) had allowed only one unearned run on three hits over five innings, walking one and fanning three, before leaving with a strained throwing elbow.

The right-hander, who lowered his ERA to 3.01 with the performance, didn't came out to start the sixth. The Twins issued a statement describing his elbow injury as mild.

Three relievers combined for three innings of scoreless relief, but Twins closer Matt Capps was pulled from his second straight appearance after allowing a run in the ninth.

Glen Perkins instead came in to notch his second save, retiring Johnny Damon to end the game on a nice play by shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka as Minnesota cinched its three-game set with the Rays.

Michael Cuddyer's two-run single in the third gave the Twins a 3-0 lead.

Tampa Bay's James Shields (8-6) surrendered three runs (two earned) on six hits in a six-inning effort. He issued five walks.

B.J. Upton had two hits, including a solo homer, and Evan Longoria went 3-for-4 for the Rays.